Clarence Oddbody on Each Man’s Life

Originally posted 12/20/2011… As Tom Shadyac professes in his film “I AM:”  We are all connected.  Each person on this planet is connected to every other man, woman and child, and it goes deeper still … all of creation is connected.  Our connectivity mandates that we make good choices because even the least of our …

A Toy Story

As the Polar Express steams by Herpolsheimer’s department store – the England Brothers of my youth in Pittsfield, Massachusetts – the kids on the train stare in wonder at the store’s window displays filled with magical Christmas visions.  “I want them all,” the ‘know-it-all kid exclaims referring to the abundance of extraordinary gifts and toys. …

Merry Christmas

Originally posted in 2020, I believe this is worth re-posting.  Merry Christmas 2021. I believe that Jesus has influenced and continues to influence more human beings than any person who has ever walked the Earth.  His message of unconditional love and forgiveness was and is plain and simple.  That is how he lived, simply:  he …

It’s a Wonderful Life

We first wrote and posted this six years on December 21, 2012.  Last night, December 14, 2018, Mrs. tVM and I watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” just as we’ve done every Christmas season for as long as I can remember.  It always moves me in ways I can’t say much better than I did – with …

The Christmas Story

It is my Christmas ritual to share this piece every year.  Maybe you can read it to a child… maybe you will just read it to yourself.  I hope you read it, enjoy it and find value in it … Most people — certainly those younger than 60 — may only know “Ben-Hur” as a …

The Christmas Story

Most people — certainly those younger than 60 — may only know “Ben-Hur” as a chariot race that appeared in the 1959 Academy Award-winning film starring the late Charlton Heston.  That film used to be telecast regularly during the Christmas season, but it seems in recent years, we’re more apt to look for Ralphie in …